Kaizen Aikijitsu Rules Of Etiquette In The Training Hall (Dojo)

The special nature of our practice requires such high standards of performance and personal accountability, that there must be no question as to the character judgment, discretion and responsibilities of our members and staff. You must become familiar with and observe the rules of your dojo (training hall).

To courtesy or bow upon entering or leaving the floor or mat training area.

Sandals and shoes should and must be lined up neatly side-by-side in the dressing room or at the entrance of the training area.

Before and after class the training area is for learning and practice of technique, not playing ground.

The class will begin when the instructor claps his hands twice and asks the class to line up.

Students will line up with the highest rank to your immediate right and to your left will be students with equal rank to yours. The new students or lower rank than yourself will be to your extreme left.

After the instructor says seiza, the students will take the kneeling position with the left hand in the right in the right palm with thumbs touching, and wait for the next command.

When kneeling the left leg goes down first, when rising, the right leg comes up first.

The instructor of the class will then call for a short period of meditation by saying 'mukso'. You should close your eyes with your back straight and your hands folded in front of you as above. Try to rid your mind of any cares or worries so you may concentrate on what lies before you. When the instructor says 'mukso yame' open your eyes, stop meditation and wait for next command.

The next order / command will be 'courtesy to the spirit of AIKI, courtesy rei' (rei means bow). To bow to the old teachers and founders of Aiki Systems, you place your left hand in front of you on the floor or mat then your right hand as you bow. As you return to sitting position your right hand then your left hand comes back to your original position.

Next the instructor will say 'courtesy to Kyoshi, courtesy rei' you should bow in the same manner as before, return to the seiza position and courtesy to the instructor. The instructor will then say 'KY-SKE' (which means attention stance), you will stand and come to attention with your hands by your sides, with your heals together and toes pointed in a 45 degree angle.

At the end of the class the procedure above will be repeated.

During class everyone entering or leaving the training area should first ask the permission of the instructor on the floor or mat to leave or enter. Upon entering you should sit in seiza and wait for permission to enter the training area. You should also courtesy when entering and leaving the training area.

Any time when your uniform comes undone, you should face away from the instructor and class, sit in seiza and fix it.

When practicing with a partner always give courtesy at the beginning and end, saying ' ch'en ' with your courtesy (ch'en means I give you respect, or I honor you).

One does not display anger of any form in the dojo. Everyone should learn from their mistakes, we are all students of the same art. If the instructor is off mat, treat the highest ranked student with the same respect, as you would show the instructor.

You should keep fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean, your body should be clean with no unduly body odors in the dojo at any time.

There should be no talking during class unless it is pertaining to the techniques given by the instructor during the class, there should be no small talk.

When the instructor is talking to the class, describing or showing techniques, students should sit in seiza or Indian sitting position.

Before and after class beginners should ask advance students for help and advice.